AVCJ Private Equity & Venture Forum

With session moderator – Ben Ridley, Partner, ERM, Hong Kong

Despite growing resistance from some quarters, and a rapidly changing investment landscape affected by geopolitical instability, rising interest rates and cost of living and energy security, ESG-related assets under management are rising and growing in importance. Although there is tighter ESG scrutiny, private market stakeholders acknowledge the significance of embedding ESG considerations into their investment decision making and LP scrutiny continues unabated. This shift in momentum, as well as how to address the key challenges for the private markets community in the region, will be discussed by our panel of industry leaders.

• What are the key ESG trends emerging in 2023/24?
• Have we seen increased ESG implementation in the region?
• What are the expectations on harmonisation of regulatory and reporting standards?
• How to address the risks surrounding transparency and accountability?

With session moderator - Eimund Loo, Partner, Digital Advisory

One of the biggest hurdles for ESG implementation is collecting and reporting quality data from portfolio companies. Difficulties in accessing relevant ESG data is partly due to the reduced level of reporting needed for private companies, as well as lack of comparable metrics across industries and geographies and continues to be a major roadblock when looking for a holistic view on fund performance and where a greater ESG focus is required. Our panel of experts will discuss and share how they overcome data challenges and leverage the data to drive value creation.

• What are the key data issues facing GPs in their ESG implementation?
• How important is data in identifying portfolio risk during due diligence and beyond?
• What role does portfolio engagement play in improving data challenges?
• How can GPs use data to propel value creation?